Transport needed !

Another vote for the Cambridge in the price range that you want to stay in. It certainly will give you better SQ and performance than a $26 JVC dvd player despite what the bits are bits guy has to say

Better off just selling the Node and getting a Vault that you can load your CDs into, ditch the transport altogether, and have access to all your music from one device without leaving your chair. And when you want more, just buy a better DAC. Personally, I’ll never buy another transport ever again, and just the thought of that makes me happy. FWIW and best of luck.

As several folks have mentioned, the Cambridge CXC is a solid performer and excellent value.  I picked up a CXC V2 refurbished unit from eBay - and haven't looked back.  My biggest beef is that they discontinued the black faceplate. (Also, if you play your cards right, eBay sometimes offers an additional discount on factory refurbished items).

You can probably get a used Theta DVD/CD player for 300-350ish.
I have had mine for about 20 years and it is still going strong.
Great quality great sound.

I'm a Sony fan. Any of the ES series with low mileage. I'm not a big fan of the multi-disk ES, but they still sound pretty good and hold up well in a party environment. The electrolytic do go south though.. 5400 777 and 9XX.

Replace the fuse circuit and IEC with copper or silver plated.  A little cleaning, silicone dry lube on the caddy tracks, and a half way decent 39.00 usd special PC and you're  cookin' That cable works very well with a LOT of the low amperage consumers. I have 1/2 meter cables on my NC500 class ds. No bass duty of course.. They are an excellent PC.
THAT seller is really good to work with too.. FAST delivery.. Good mom and pop QC for sure..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202808747120?var=502967448567